Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad has introduced Bill M210 - 2011 Workers' Dues Transparency and Rights Act to the legislature.
This bill is a back-door prohibition on labour unions using dues to donate to political parties. What this means is that unions will be unable to financially support parties that would further the aims of workers.
In 1946, Justice Rand introduced the mandatory dues checkoff for employees receiving benefits from a union. He also wrote that these contributions should go "towards the expense of maintaining the administration of employee interests and administering the law of their employment."
What could be more in an employee's interest than helping to elect a worker-friendly government that would enact laws ensuring fair treatment from the employer. In fact, having labour-friendly laws would significantly reduce the amount of money unions must spend to represent their members.
I wonder if, in the spirit of fair play, Mr. Rustad is going to introduce a bill which restricts business from using shareholder money to financially support political parties that would further the aims of
business.
Ken Fowler
Prince George
